,,ii #aafth ,,congress #b;d ,session ,s4 #dccf ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,july #bh1 #bjbj,mr4 ,bennet introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,finance ,a ,,bill ,to provide for the improvement of rural infrastructure in the ,united ,states1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,reforming1 ,expanding1 and ,simplifying ,investment for ,local ,infrastructure to ,enhance our ,neighborhoods and ,towns ,act or the ,,resilient ,act4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents for this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents4,sec4 #b4 ,findings4,sec4 #c4 ,definitions4,,title ,i--,department of ,agriculture,sec4 #aja4 ,rural ,partnerships ,office4,sec4 #ajb4 ,rural infrastructure partnerships4,sec4 #ajc4 ,rural economic and community development4,sec4 #ajd4 ,simplification of application process4,,title ,,ii--,interagency ,coordination,sec4 #bja4 ,rural ,liaisons4,sec4 #bjb4 ,interagency rural infrastructure task force4,,title ,,iii--,other ,departments and ,agencies,sec4 #cja4 ,rural infrastructure financing flexibility4,sec4 #cjb4 ,drinking water and wastewater infrastructure4,sec4 #cjc4 ,solicitation of public comment on conducting water audits with ,,reac inspections4,,title ,,iv--,administration,sec4 #dja4 ,effect of definition4,sec4 #djb4 ,authorization of appropriations4 #b4 ,findings ,congress finds that-- 7#a7 rural infrastructure1 such as roads1 water systems1 and broadband1 is in dire need of upgrade and repair2 7#b7 rural areas face unique challenges when addressing infrastructure2 7#c7 rural communities often lack staff with the necessary expertise to develop major infrastructure projects or to secure financing2 7#d7 many rural projects struggle to attract regional support or private sector investment2 7#e7 revenue sources1 such as taxes or user fees1 are limited in many rural areas2 7#f7 #ac percent of major rural roads are in poor condition1 and more than #ej percent of rural bridges are considered to not be in good condition2 7#g7 only #fj percent of counties nationwide have public transportation service1 and over of those counties have very limited public transportation service2 7#h7 many rural transit vehicles are still on the road despite being past their useful life1 which can lead to costly repairs1 unreliable service1 and safety issues2 7#i7 every day1 nearly #f1jjj1jjj1jjj gallons of treated drinking water are lost1 an amount that could support #ae1jjj1jjj households2 7#aj7 without a full investment in water1 by #bjdj1 the cumulative impact from breakdowns in water supply1 treatment1 and wastewater capacity is estimated to cost manufacturers and other businesses #g1ejj1jjj1jjj1jjj in lost sales and #d1ajj1jjj1jjj1jjj in lost gross domestic product2 7#aa7 ,federal agencies estimate that the cost of drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects in rural communities will total almost #aij1jjj1jjj1jjj in the coming decades2 7#ab7 small water systems reaching fewer than #c1cjj people serve only #h percent of the population of the ,united ,states1 but account for nearly #hc percent of reported funding needs2 7#ac7 ,federal funding of water infrastructure was #fc percent of total capital spending in #aigg1 and was down to #i percent in #bjad2 7#ad7 nearly #a in #c rural residents lack access to basic broadband2 7#ae7 every dollar spent on infrastructure generates up to #b4ej2 7#af7 ,federal1 ,state1 and local governments combined spent #ddj1ejj1jjj1jjj on infrastructure in #bjag1 with less than #be percent of that amount provided by the ,federal ,government2 7#ag7 fewer multidisciplinary ,federal agency field staff has reduced the capacity of rural communities to navigate complex infrastructure projects2 7#ah7 lack of adequate infrastructure adversely impacts the efforts of rural communities to create jobs1 stimulate economic growth1 and diversify their economies2 and 7#ai7 it is therefore in the national economic interest to assist rural communities in addressing their infrastructure needs4 #c4 ,definitions ,in this ,act3 7#a7 ,infrastructure ,the term infrastructure means infrastructure for renewable or conventional energy production1 electricity transmission1 surface transportation1 aviation1 a port or waterway1 a water resource project1 drinking water or wastewater treatment1 broadband1 a pipeline1 an elementary school or secondary school 7as defined in section #haja of the ,elementary and ,secondary ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ghja771 and an institution of higher education 7as defined in section #aja of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajja774 7#b7 ,rural ,the term rural means any area located outside-- 7,a7 an urbanized area1 as determined by the latest available decennial census conducted under section #ada7;a7 of title #ac1 ,united ,states ,code2 and 7,b7 a community or town that has a population equal to or greater than #bj1jjj inhabitants4 7#c7 ,rural infrastructure project ,the term rural infrastructure project means a project for infrastructure in a rural area4 ,i ,department of ,agriculture #aja4 ,rural ,partnerships ,office 7a7 ,establishment ,subtitle ,c of the ,department of ,agriculture ,reorganization ,act of #aiid 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #fida et seq47 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #bcg4 ,rural ,partnerships ,office 7a7 ,establishment ,the ,secretary shall establish within the ,department the ,rural ,partnerships ,office4 7b7 ,director ,the ,rural ,partnerships ,office shall be headed by a ,director1 who shall be appointed by the ,president4 7c7 ,functions ,the ,secretary1 acting through the ,director of the ,rural ,partnerships ,office1 shall carry out-- 7#a7 subtitle ,i of the ,consolidated ,farm and ,rural ,development ,act2 and 7#b7 such other technical assistance relating to rural infrastructure projects 7as defined in section #c of the ,reforming1 ,expanding1 and ,simplifying ,investment for ,local ,infrastructure to ,enhance our ,neighborhoods and ,towns ,act7 as the ,secretary determines to be appropriate4 4 7b7 ,conforming amendment ,section #bif7;b7 of the ,department of ,agriculture ,reorganization ,act of #aiid 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #gjad7;b77 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7#aa7 ,the authority of the ,secretary to carry out the amendments made to this title by the ,reforming1 ,expanding1 and ,simplifying ,investment for ,local ,infrastructure to ,enhance our ,neighborhoods and ,towns ,act4 4 #ajb4 ,rural infrastructure partnerships ,the ,consolidated ,farm and ,rural ,development ,act is amended by inserting after subtitle ,h 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjji;cc et seq47 the following3 ,i ,rural ,infrastructure ,partnerships #che;,a4 ,definitions ,in this subtitle3 7#a7 ,infrastructure ,the term infrastructure has the meaning given the term in section #c of the ,reforming1 ,expanding1 and ,simplifying ,investment for ,local ,infrastructure to ,enhance our ,neighborhoods and ,towns ,act4 7#b7 ,rural ,the term rural has the meaning given the term in section #c of the ,reforming1 ,expanding1 and ,simplifying ,investment for ,local ,infrastructure to ,enhance our ,neighborhoods and ,towns ,act4 7#c7 ,rural infrastructure project ,the term rural infrastructure project has the meaning given the term in section #c of the ,reforming1 ,expanding1 and ,simplifying ,investment for ,local ,infrastructure to ,enhance our ,neighborhoods and ,towns ,act4 7#d7 ,rural ,liaison ,the term ,rural ,liaison means a ,rural ,liaison designated under section #bja7;b77#a7 of the ,reforming1 ,expanding1 and ,simplifying ,investment for ,local ,infrastructure to ,enhance our ,neighborhoods and ,towns ,act4 7#e7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary1 acting through the ,director of the ,rural ,partnerships ,office4 #che;,b4 ,rural ,partners ,program 7a7 ,establishment ,the ,secretary shall establish a ,rural ,partners ,program 7referred to in this section as the ,program7 to provide technical assistance to improve the delivery1 financing1 operations1 and maintenance of rural infrastructure projects4 7b7 ,coordination ,in carrying out the ,program1 the ,secretary shall coordinate with-- 7#a7 technical assistance programs of the ,department of ,agriculture and the ,environmental ,protection ,agency2 7#b7 the ,capacity ,building for ,affordable ,housing and ,community ,development ,program authorized under section #d of the ,,hud ,demonstration ,act of #aiic 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ihaf note2 ,public ,law #ajc-abj72 7#c7 the rural and ,tribal passenger transportation technical assistance program established under section #caj;,b7c77#c77;,b77iv72 and 7#d7 any other technical assistance programs that may impact rural infrastructure projects1 including programs operated by ,states4 7c7 ,technical assistance providers 7#a7 ,selection ,the ,secretary shall select1 through a competitive process1 not more than #e organizations to provide to rural communities technical assistance under this section4 7#b7 ,requirements ,to be eligible for selection under paragraph 7#a71 an organization shall-- 7,a7 provide technical assistance nationally2 and 7,b7 have the experience and capacity to provide technical assistance in each ,state1 the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico1 and the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands4 7d7 ,applications 7#a7 ,initial proposal ,to be eligible to receive technical assistance under this section1 a rural community 7including a rural passenger transportation agency7 shall submit to the ,secretary an initial proposal containing a basic statement of-- 7,a7 a description of the technical assistance under subsection 7e7 being requested2 and 7,b7 how the technical assistance would improve rural infrastructure in the rural community4 7#b7 ,application assistance ,the ,secretary shall coordinate with ,state offices of the rural development mission area to identify a point of contact who shall assist the rural community with the remainder of the application process4 7#c7 ,requirements ,the ,secretary-- 7,a7 shall not require the initial proposal under paragraph 7#a7 to contain any information not required under that paragraph2 and 7,b7 shall determine the requirements for the remainder of the application process4 7#d7 ,consultation ,the ,secretary shall consult with the ,rural ,liaison for any relevant ,federal agencies in reviewing applications under this subsection4 7e7 ,eligible activities ,a technical assistance provider selected under subsection 7c7 may provide to a rural community the application of which is approved under subsection 7d7 technical assistance with-- 7#a7 infrastructure project planning2 7#b7 asset management2 7#c7 life-cycle accounting2 7#d7 project delivery2 7#e7 funding and financing2 7#f7 regional coordination2 7#g7 project affordability2 7#h7 broadband predevelopment work2 and 7#i7 project oversight4 7f7 ,duration ,the ,secretary shall assign a technical assistance provider selected under subsection 7c7 to a rural community the application of which is approved under subsection 7d7 for a period that is not longer than #b years4 7g7 ,onsite presence required ,personnel of a technical assistance provider shall be onsite in the rural community for a significant portion of the period under subsection 7f71 as determined by the ,secretary4 7h7 ,reports ,a technical assistance provider shall submit to the ,secretary and the ,rural ,liaison for any relevant ,federal agencies quarterly reports describing the status of activities in each rural community to which the provider is assigned4 #che;,c4 ,rural infrastructure best practices clearinghouse ,the ,secretary shall establish an online clearinghouse of best practices specifically targeted to rural infrastructure project planning1 asset management1 life-cycle accounting1 project delivery1 funding and financing1 regional coordination1 affordability1 and project oversight1 including resources prepared by ,federal agencies and external resources4 #che;,d4 ,predevelopment scoping grant program 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall establish a predevelopment scoping grant program 7referred to in this section as the program7 to provide grants to assist rural communities in developing cost-effective rural infrastructure projects1 with a particular focus on regionally coordinated or bundled projects4 7b7 ,application ,an application for a grant under the program shall-- 7#a7 require only such documentation as is necessary to demonstrate the potential for a viable project2 and 7#b7 be submitted by the ,state1 local1 or regional governmental entity1 or nonprofit entity with the ability to provide technical assistance across a ,state1 with primary responsibility for the project4 7c7 ,limitation ,a grant under this section shall be in an amount not greater than #aej1jjj4 #che;,e4 ,rural ,infrastructure ,bundling ,program 7a7 ,definition of bundled project ,in this section1 the term bundled project means #b or more rural infrastructure projects of a local1 regional1 or ,state entity that are submitted in a single application and subject to a single procurement contract4 7b7 ,establishment ,the ,secretary1 in coordination with the ,rural ,liaisons1 shall establish a ,rural ,infrastructure ,bundling ,program 7referred to in this section as the ,program7 to improve the efficiency of rural infrastructure projects4 7c7 ,applications 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall solicit1 on a rolling basis1 letters of interest from local1 regional1 or ,state entities for bundled projects4 7#b7 ,contents ,a letter of interest submitted by a local1 regional1 or ,state entity under paragraph 7#a7 shall include a description of-- 7,a7 a bundled project concept2 7,b7 likely funding sources2 and 7,c7 such other information as is necessary to determine whether the proposed project is unlikely to be completed but for assistance provided by the ,program4 7#c7 ,review 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary1 ,state offices of the rural development mission area1 and the ,rural ,liaison for any relevant ,federal agencies shall review letters of interest submitted by local1 regional1 or ,state entities to determine whether to approve each bundled project for assistance under the ,program4 7,b7 ,consideration ,in reviewing letters of interest under subparagraph 7,a71 the individuals and entities described in that subparagraph shall consider whether the proposed project is unlikely to be completed but for assistance provided by the ,program4 7d7 ,program assistance ,the ,secretary1 in coordination with the ,rural ,liaisons1 shall provide to a local1 regional1 or ,state entity that is approved for assistance under the ,program-- 7#a7 technical assistance with the development of a bundled project1 including assistance with identifying appropriate financing2 and 7#b7 a grant to support project development and ongoing project management4 7e7 ,cost thresholds 7#a7 ,in general ,for purposes of the programs and laws described in paragraph 7#b71 each rural infrastructure project that is included in a bundled project that is approved for assistance under the ,program shall be considered a separate rural infrastructure project4 7#b7 ,programs and laws described ,the programs and laws referred to in paragraph 7#a7 are-- 7,a7 water or waste disposal grants or direct or guaranteed loans under paragraph 7#a7 or 7#b7 of section #cjf7;a72 7,b7 rural water or wastewater technical assistance and training grants under section #cjf7;a77#ad72 7,c7 emergency community water assistance grants under section #cjf;,a2 7,d7 paragraphs 7#b77;,c7 and 7#e77;,c7 of section #fjc7;b7 of title #bc1 ,united ,states ,code2 7,e7 paragraphs 7#b77;,b7 and 7#e77;,c7 of section #ejbi7;b7 of the ,water ,infrastructure ,finance and ,innovation ,act of #bjad 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #cijh7;b772 7,f7 the program for national infrastructure investments 7commonly known as the ,better ,utilizing ,investments to ,leverage ,development 7,,build7 discretionary grant program7 authorized under title ,i of division ,l of the ,consolidated ,appropriations ,act1 #bjah 7,public ,law #aae-ada7 or a subsequent appropriations ,act2 and 7,g7 a categorical exclusion under the ,national ,environmental ,policy ,act of #aifi 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dcba et seq474 7f7 ,volume cap for private activity bonds ,a bundled project that is approved for assistance under the ,program shall be exempt from the volume cap for private activity bonds under section #adf7;d7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf4 7g7 ,eligibility for rural infrastructure financing flexibility ,except as provided in subsection 7e71 a bundled project that is approved for assistance under the ,program shall be considered to be-- 7#a7 a rural infrastructure project for purposes of the ,,tifia program 7as those terms are defined in section #fja7;a7 of title #bc1 ,united ,states ,code72 and 7#b7 a rural project for purposes of the ,water ,infrastructure ,finance and ,innovation ,act of #bjad 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #cija et seq474 7h7 ,federal permitting dashboard ,a bundled project that is approved for assistance under the ,program shall be considered to be a covered project under title ,,xli of the ,,fast ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dcgjm et seq474 #che;,f4 ,reports ,the ,secretary shall publish on the website of the ,rural ,partnerships ,office an annual report describing the activities of the ,office1 including-- 7#a7 the status of projects funded with grants provided by the ,office2 7#b7 activities conducted under the ,rural ,partners ,program under section #che;,b2 7#c7 private sector investment leveraged by those projects and activities2 and 7#d7 the activities of the ,rural ,infrastructure ,bundling ,program under section #che;,e4 4 #ajc4 ,rural economic and community development ,section #cjf7;a77#ai7 of the ,consolidated ,farm and ,rural ,development ,act 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #aibf7;a77#ai77 is amended-- 7#a7 in subparagraph 7,a71 by striking nonprofit corporations1 and all that follows through federally recognized and inserting nonprofit corporations1 rural passenger transportation facilities1 ,indian tribes 7as defined in section #d of the ,indian ,self-,determination and ,education ,assistance ,act 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #ecjd771 and federally recognized2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 7,c7 ,priority for co-located facilities ,in evaluating applications for grants under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,secretary shall give priority to a project that co-locates social services facilities or employment centers with passenger transportation facilities4 4 #ajd4 ,simplification of application process 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #cj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,agriculture shall consider ways to simplify and streamline the application processes for programs of the ,department of ,agriculture that provide loans1 grants1 or other financing for rural infrastructure1 including by-- 7#a7 issuing a notice in the ,federal ,register requesting public comment on ways to simplify and streamline those application processes2 and 7#b7 evaluating the application processes of other ,federal agencies1 such as the ,economic ,development ,administration4 7b7 ,report ,not later than #ahj days after the date on which the period for public comment under subsection 7a77#a7 ends1 the ,secretary of ,agriculture shall submit to ,congress a report describing the actions carried out1 if any1 to simplify and streamline the application processes referred to in subsection 7a74 ,,ii ,interagency ,coordination #bja4 ,rural ,liaisons 7a7 ,purpose ,the purpose of this section is to establish ,rural ,liaisons to improve coordination and processes across ,federal rural programs4 7b7 ,designation 7#a7 ,in general ,each ,federal agency described in paragraph 7#b7 shall designate a ,rural ,liaison within the office of the head of the ,federal agency4 7#b7 ,federal agencies ,the ,federal agencies referred to in paragraph 7#a7 are-- 7,a7 the ,department of ,transportation2 7,b7 the ,department of ,agriculture2 7,c7 the ,department of ,housing and ,urban ,development2 7,d7 the ,small ,business ,administration2 7,e7 the ,department of ,education2 7,f7 the ,department of ,health and ,human ,services2 7,g7 the ,department of ,commerce2 7,h7 the ,environmental ,protection ,agency2 7,i7 the ,corps of ,engineers2 7,j7 the ,department of the ,interior2 and 7,k7 any other ,federal agency that provides financial assistance1 including grants and credit assistance1 to rural communities for activities related to rural infrastructure1 as determined by the ,secretary of ,agriculture4 7c7 ,responsibilities ,a ,rural ,liaison designated under subsection 7b77#a7 shall-- 7#a7 7,a7 review regulations1 guidance1 and procedures of the agency of the ,rural ,liaison2 7,b7 identify any of those regulations1 guidance1 or procedures that present a hardship for rural communities2 and 7,c7 recommend ways to streamline those regulations1 guidance1 and procedures2 7#b7 serve as ombudsperson for rural communities working with the agency of the ,rural ,liaison to help address issues and resolve problems2 7#c7 meet regularly with ,rural ,liaisons of other ,federal agencies to coordinate efforts and identify ways to coordinate to support rural infrastructure needs2 and 7#d7 7,a7 advise the head of the agency of the ,rural ,liaison about rural issues2 and 7,b7 provide feedback to that head of the agency on the rural impacts of potential activities of the agency4 #bjb4 ,interagency rural infrastructure task force 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,commerce shall establish a task force 7referred to in this section as the task force7 to examine ways to coordinate rural infrastructure programs and requirements across the ,federal ,government that support rural infrastructure development in order-- 7#a7 to maximize efficiency2 7#b7 to leverage interagency resources2 and 7#c7 to simplify processes for rural applicants4 7b7 ,membership 7#a7 ,federal members 7,a7 ,in general ,each individual listed in subparagraph 7,c7 shall designate a member of the agency in which the individual serves to serve on the task force4 7,b7 ,qualifications ,a member of the task force designated under subparagraph 7,a7 shall hold a position in the agency of deputy secretary 7or the equivalent7 or higher4 7,c7 ,heads of agencies ,the individuals that shall each designate a member of the task force under subparagraph 7,a7 are the following3 7i7 ,the ,secretary of ,commerce4 7ii7 ,the ,secretary of ,agriculture4 7iii7 ,the ,secretary of the ,interior4 7iv7 ,the ,secretary of ,transportation4 7v7 ,the ,secretary of ,education4 7vi7 ,the ,secretary of ,energy4 7vii7 ,the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services4 7viii7 ,the ,administrator of the ,environmental ,protection ,agency4 7ix7 ,the ,chairman of the ,federal ,communications ,commission4 7x7 ,the ,administrator of the ,small ,business ,administration4 7#b7 ,state members ,the ,secretary of ,commerce shall appoint to the task force not less than #b representatives of ,state rural development councils1 based on-- 7,a7 the expertise of the representative in ,federal infrastructure procedures2 and 7,b7 geographic diversity4 7c7 ,duties 7#a7 ,in general ,the task force shall-- 7,a7 examine ways to coordinate ,federal programs and ,federal program requirements that support rural infrastructure projects1 including by developing a proposed standardized application2 7,b7 develop1 to the extent practicable1 common guidelines that may be used for rural funding or financing programs across ,federal agencies2 7,c7 identify opportunities to carry out activities across ,federal agencies to support rural infrastructure needs2 and 7,d7 provide rural communities guidance on-- 7i7 projects that would be likely to receive ,federal assistance2 and 7ii7 the application process for those projects4 7#b7 ,public input ,in carrying out the duties of the task force under paragraph 7#a77;,a71 the task force shall-- 7,a7 solicit input from employees of ,federal agencies in field offices and regional offices2 and 7,b7 provide an opportunity for public comment4 7d7 ,report ,not less frequently than annually1 the task force shall submit to ,congress a report on the activities of the task force1 including-- 7#a7 specific metrics of performance developed by the task force for rural infrastructure investment and development2 and 7#b7 the progress of the task force toward those metrics of performance4 ,,iii ,other ,departments and ,agencies #cja4 ,rural infrastructure financing flexibility 7a7 ,,tifia program ,section #fjc7;b7 of title #bc1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#b7-- 7,a7 in subparagraph 7,a71 by striking subparagraph 7,b7 and inserting subparagraphs 7,b7 and 7,c72 and 7,b7 by adding at the end the following3 7,c7 ,rural infrastructure projects ,in the case of a rural infrastructure project1 the amount of a secured loan under this section shall not exceed the lesser of-- 7i7 an amount equal to #fg percent of the reasonably anticipated eligible project costs2 and 7ii7 if the secured loan does not receive an investment-grade rating1 the amount of the senior project obligations of the project4 2 and 7#b7 in paragraph 7#e7-- 7,a7 in subparagraph 7,a71 in the matter preceding clause 7i71 by striking subparagraph 7,b7 and inserting subparagraphs 7,b7 and 7,c72 and 7,b7 by adding at the end the following3 7,c7 ,rural infrastructure projects ,in the case of a rural infrastructure project1 the final maturity date of the secured loan shall be the earlier of-- 7i7 #dj years after the date of substantial completion of the rural infrastructure project2 and 7ii7 if the useful life of the rural infrastructure project is less than #dj years1 the useful life of the rural infrastructure project4 4 7b7 ,,wifia 7#a7 ,definitions ,section #ejbb of the ,water ,infrastructure ,finance and ,innovation ,act of #bjad 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #cija7 is amended-- 7,a7 by redesignating paragraphs 7#aj7 through 7#ae7 as paragraphs 7#aa7 through 7#af71 respectively2 and 7,b7 by inserting after paragraph 7#i7 the following3 7#aj7 ,rural project ,the term rural project means a project receiving financial assistance under this subtitle in an area that is rural 7as defined in section #c of the ,reforming1 ,expanding1 and ,simplifying ,investment for ,local ,infrastructure to ,enhance our ,neighborhoods and ,towns ,act74 4 7#b7 ,terms and limitations ,section #ejbi7;b7 of the ,water ,infrastructure ,finance and ,innovation ,act of #bjad 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #cijh7;b77 is amended-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#b7-- 7i7 by redesignating subparagraphs 7,a7 and 7,b7 as clauses 7i7 and 7ii71 respectively1 and indenting appropriately2 7ii7 in the matter preceding clause 7i7 7as so redesignated71 by striking ,the amount and inserting the following3 7,a7 ,in general ,except as provided in subparagraph 7,b71 the amount 2 and 7iii7 by adding at the end the following3 7,b7 ,rural projects ,in the case of a rural project1 the amount of a secured loan under this section shall not exceed the lesser of-- 7i7 an amount equal to #fg percent of the reasonably anticipated eligible project costs2 and 7ii7 if the secured loan does not receive an investment-grade rating1 the amount of the senior project obligations of the project4 2 7,b7 in paragraph 7#e7-- 7i7 in subparagraph 7,a71 in the matter preceding clause 7i71 by striking ,the final and inserting ,except as provided in subparagraphs 7,b7 and 7,c71 the final2 and 7ii7 by adding at the end the following3 7,c7 ,special rule for rural projects ,in the case of a rural project1 the final maturity date of a secured loan under this section shall be the earlier of-- 7i7 the date that is #dj years after the date of substantial completion of the relevant project 7as determined by the ,secretary or the ,administrator1 as applicable72 and 7ii7 if the useful life of the project 7as determined by the ,secretary or ,administrator1 as applicable7 is less than #dj years1 the useful life the project4 2 and 7,c7 in paragraph 7#g7-- 7i7 in subparagraph 7,a71 by striking subparagraph 7,b7 and inserting subparagraphs 7,b7 and 7,c72 and 7ii7 by adding at the end the following3 7,c7 ,waiver ,on request of an eligible entity1 the ,secretary or the ,administrator1 as applicable1 may waive the application fee for-- 7i7 a small community water infrastructure project described in section #ejbh7;a77#b77;,b72 and 7ii7 a rural project4 4 7#c7 ,outreach and strategy development 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,water ,infrastructure ,finance and ,innovation ,act of #bjad 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #cija et seq47 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #ejcf4 ,outreach and coordination 7a7 ,outreach ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this section1 the ,administrator1 in coordination with the ,secretary of ,agriculture1 shall develop an outreach campaign to promote financial assistance under this subtitle to small communities described in section #ejbh7;a77#b77;,b7 and communities in areas that are rural 7as defined in section #c of the ,reforming1 ,expanding1 and ,simplifying ,investment for ,local ,infrastructure to ,enhance our ,neighborhoods and ,towns ,act74 7b7 ,coordinated funding strategy 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this section1 the ,administrator1 in coordination with the ,secretary of ,agriculture1 shall develop a coordinated strategy to ensure that1 to the maximum extent practicable1 financial assistance under this subtitle complements rural development assistance provided by the ,secretary of ,agriculture4 7#b7 ,report ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this section1 the ,administrator and the ,secretary of ,agriculture shall submit to ,congress a report that includes-- 7,a7 a description of the coordinated strategy developed under paragraph 7#a72 7,b7 a description of any steps taken to implement that coordinated strategy2 and 7,c7 any recommendations for legislative changes to further improve coordination between this subtitle and rural development assistance provided by the ,secretary of ,agriculture4 4 7,b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of contents for the ,water ,resources ,reform and ,development ,act of #bjad 7,public ,law #aac-aba2 #abh ,stat4 #aaie7 is amended-- 7i7 by striking the item relating to section #ejcd and inserting the following3 ,sec4 #ejcd4 ,reports on program implementation42 and 7ii7 by inserting after the item relating to section #ejce the following3 ,sec4 #ejcf4 ,outreach and coordination44 #cjb4 ,drinking water and wastewater infrastructure 7a7 ,federal water pollution control act ,section #fjc of the ,federal ,water ,pollution ,control ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #achc7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7c7-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#aa77;,b71 by striking and at the end2 7,b7 in paragraph 7#ab7-- 7i7 in the matter preceding subparagraph 7,a71 by striking 7j7 and inserting 7l72 and 7ii7 in subparagraph 7,b71 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 and2 and 7,c7 by adding at the end the following3 7#ac7 to expand publicly owned treatment works to meet demand due to expected population growth4 2 7#b7 in subsection 7d7-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#a77;,a71 by striking the lesser of #cj years and the projected and inserting the intended2 7,b7 by redesignating paragraphs 7#f7 and 7#g7 as paragraphs 7#g7 and 7#h71 respectively2 and 7,c7 by inserting after paragraph 7#e7 the following3 7#f7 to provide technical assistance to wastewater utilities1 except that not more than #b percent of the funds annually allotted to the ,state under section #fjd may be used to provide that technical assistance4 2 7#c7 by redesignating subsection 7j7 as subsection 7l72 and 7#d7 by inserting after subsection 7i7 the following3 7j7 ,technical assistance for disadvantaged communities 7#a7 ,definition of disadvantaged community ,in this subsection1 the term disadvantaged community means the service area of a publicly owned treatment works that serves a population of fewer than #aj1jjj individuals4 7#b7 ,technical assistance ,a ,state may1 to provide regional coordinators for #a or more disadvantaged communities1 use any funds-- 7,a7 set aside in the ,state water pollution control revolving fund of the ,state for technical assistance under subsection 7d77#f72 or 7,b7 provided to the ,state through a grant for technical assistance under section #ajd4 7k7 ,innovative management1 procurement1 and ownership ,in determining whether to provide assistance to a project from the water pollution control revolving fund of the ,state1 a ,state may consider whether the project would employ innovative management1 procurement1 or ownership arrangements4 4 7b7 ,safe drinking water act 7#a7 ,environmental finance centers reauthorization ,section #adbj7;g77#d7 of the ,safe ,drinking ,water ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cjj;g-#i7;g77#d77 is amended by striking the fiscal years #aiig through #bjjc and inserting fiscal years #bjba through #bjca4 7#b7 ,state revolving loan funds ,section #adeb of the ,safe ,drinking ,water ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cjj;j-#ab7 is amended-- 7,a7 in subsection 7a77#b7-- 7i7 in subparagraph 7,g77ii77,i77aa71 by striking subsection 7d77#c7 and inserting subsection 7d77#a72 and 7ii7 by adding at the end the following3 7,h7 ,future growth ,funds made available under this section may be used to assist a public water system in expanding the public water system to meet demand due to expected population growth4 2 7,b7 in subsection 7b77#c7-- 7i7 in subparagraph 7,a7-- 7,i7 in clause 7ii71 by striking and at the end2 7,,ii7 in clause 7iii71 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 and2 and 7,,iii7 by adding at the end the following3 7iv7 facilitate regional system partnerships4 2 and 7ii7 by adding at the end the following3 7,c7 ,innovative management1 procurement1 and ownership ,in establishing criteria for the distribution of funds from the ,state loan fund1 a ,state may include in those criteria whether a project would develop1 employ1 or establish innovative management1 procurement1 or ownership arrangements4 2 7,c7 in subsection 7d7-- 7i7 in paragraph 7#b71 by striking paragraph 7#a7 and inserting paragraph 7#b72 7ii7 by redesignating paragraphs 7#a71 7#b71 and 7#c7 as paragraphs 7#b71 7#c71 and 7#a71 respectively1 and reordering those paragraphs so as to appear in numerical order2 and 7iii7 by adding at the end the following3 7#d7 ,technical assistance ,a ,state may use any funds set aside in the ,state loan fund of the ,state for technical assistance to provide regional coordinators for #a or more disadvantaged communities4 2 and 7,d7 in subsection 7f77#a71 by striking subparagraph 7,c7 and inserting the following3 7,c7 each loan shall have a term not to exceed the intended design life of the project2 4 7#c7 ,system partnership grants ,the ,safe ,drinking ,water ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cjj;f et seq47 is amended by adding after part ,f the following3 ,g ,additional provisions #adga4 ,system partnership program 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,system in significant noncompliance ,the term system in significant noncompliance means-- 7,a7 a water system that is significantly noncompliant with regulations with respect to drinking water standards under this title2 or 7,b7 a treatment works that is in significant noncompliance with regulations with respect to effluent limitations under title ,,iii of the ,federal ,water ,pollution ,control ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #acaa et seq474 7#b7 ,treatment works ,the term treatment works has the meaning given the term in section #bab of the ,federal ,water ,pollution ,control ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #abib74 7b7 ,establishment ,the ,administrator may1 to bring a system in significant noncompliance into compliance with this title and with effluent limitations under title ,,iii of the ,federal ,water ,pollution ,control ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #acaa et seq471 as applicable1 authorize the system in significant noncompliance to be incorporated into-- 7#a7 a community water system2 7#b7 a noncommunity water system2 7#c7 the system operated by an operator of multiple public water systems2 or 7#d7 the system operated by an operator of multiple treatment works4 7c7 ,grants 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator may provide grants to-- 7,a7 a system described in paragraph 7#a71 7#b71 7#c71 or 7#d7 of subsection 7b7 that seeks to incorporate a separate system in significant noncompliance under that subsection to provide assistance in seeking that incorporation2 and 7,b7 a system in significant noncompliance that seeks to be incorporated into a water system described in paragraph 7#a71 7#b71 7#c71 or 7#d7 of subsection 7b74 7#b7 ,amounts ,a grant under paragraph 7#a7 shall be not more than #a1jjj1jjj4 7d7 ,grace period 7#a7 ,in general ,notwithstanding any other provision of this title or title ,,iii of the ,federal ,water ,pollution ,control ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #acaa et seq47 and subject to paragraph 7#b71 the ,administrator may1 to allow time to bring a system in significant noncompliance into compliance with this title or title ,,iii of the ,federal ,water ,pollution ,control ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #acaa et seq471 as applicable1 suspend financial penalties for noncompliance with this title or title ,,iii of the ,federal ,water ,pollution ,control ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #acaa et seq471 as applicable1 for-- 7,a7 a system in significant noncompliance2 and 7,b7 a system described in paragraph 7#a71 7#b71 7#c71 or 7#d7 of subsection 7b7 that has incorporated a system in significant noncompliance4 7#b7 ,term 7,a7 ,in general ,except as provided in subparagraph 7,b71 the ,administrator may suspend the penalties described in paragraph 7#a7 for a period of not more than #ahj days4 7,b7 ,extension ,the ,administrator may1 at the discretion of the ,administrator1 extend the period described in subparagraph 7,a7 after a period during which the ,administrator provides notice of the proposed extension and an opportunity for public comment4 7#c7 ,regulations ,the ,administrator shall1 after providing notice and an opportunity for public comment1 promulgate regulations to carry out paragraph 7#a74 4 7#d7 ,conforming amendments 7,a7 ,section #adei;,a7c77#b77;,a7 of the ,safe ,drinking ,water ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cjj;j-#ai;a7c77#b77;,a77 is amended in the matter preceding clause 7i7 by striking #adeb7;d77#c7 and inserting #adeb7;d77#a74 7,b7 ,section #adei;,b of the ,safe ,drinking ,water ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cjj;j-#ai;b7 is amended by striking #adeb7;d77#c7 each place it appears and inserting #adeb7;d77#a74 7c7 ,audits and studies 7#a7 ,barriers to drinking water and clean water system regionalization 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator of the ,environmental ,protection ,agency 7referred to in this subsection as the ,administrator71 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,agriculture1 shall conduct an audit with respect to the barriers to drinking water and wastewater system regionalization4 7,b7 ,inclusions ,in conducting the audit under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,administrator shall focus on-- 7i7 regulatory impediments to-- 7,i7 merging system operations2 7,,ii7 issuing multi-system or coordinated project procurements2 7,,iii7 accessing ,federal funding and financing2 and 7,,iv7 forgiving or consolidating outstanding debt2 and 7ii7 the alignment and coordination of regionalized technical assistance and guidance among ,federal agencies and contracted technical assistance partners and providers4 7,c7 ,report ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall submit to ,congress a report that-- 7i7 describes the results of the audit under subparagraph 7,a72 and 7ii7 includes legislative and regulatory recommendations necessary to better facilitate drinking water and clean water system partnerships in rural areas4 7#b7 ,cooperative procurement study 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall conduct1 and submit to ,congress a report describing the results of1 a study with respect to the use of cooperative or joint procurement among water and wastewater systems in rural areas4 7,b7 ,inclusions ,the study under subparagraph 7,a7 shall include-- 7i7 the extent to which rural water and wastewater systems are currently conducting joint or cooperative procurements2 7ii7 the costs and benefits of using a cooperative or joint procurement approach in rural areas2 7iii7 the barriers to water and wastewater systems in rural areas in using cooperative or joint procurements2 and 7iv7 recommendations with respect to ways that the ,federal ,government can encourage greater use of cooperative and joint procurements among water and wastewater systems in rural areas4 7#c7 ,cross-cutting federal requirements study ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall submit to the relevant committees of ,congress a report describing potential legislative and regulatory options for minimizing the costs related to cross-cutting ,federal requirements 7such as the requirements under section #fjh of the ,federal ,water ,pollution ,control ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #achh71 section #adeb7;a77#d7 of the ,safe ,drinking ,water ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cjj;j-#ab7;a77#d771 and similar requirements7 in projects in rural areas that use funds from-- 7,a7 a ,state water pollution control revolving fund established under title ,,vi of the ,federal ,water ,pollution ,control ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #acha et seq472 or 7,b7 a ,state drinking water treatment revolving loan fund established under section #adeb of the ,safe ,drinking ,water ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cjj;j-#ab74 #cjc4 ,solicitation of public comment on conducting water audits with ,,reac inspections 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,housing and ,urban ,development1 in coordination with each ,state housing finance agency that participates in the ,interagency ,physical ,inspection ,alignment ,initiative1 shall solicit public comment on the costs and benefits of conducting water audits in conjunction with inspections of multifamily properties by the ,real ,estate ,assessment ,center4 7b7 ,report ,not later than #ahj days after the date on which the period for public comment under subsection 7a7 ends1 the ,secretary of ,housing and ,urban ,development and each ,state housing finance agency described in that subsection shall submit to ,congress a report describing the actions carried out1 if any1 to conduct water audits as described in that subsection4 ,,iv ,administration #dja4 ,effect of definition ,nothing in the definition of the term rural in section #c affects any provision of law defining eligibility for any program for rural infrastructure projects in existence as of the date of enactment of this ,act4 #djb4 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this ,act and the amendments made by this ,act4